Integrating Numerical and Centrifuge Modelling to Investigate Shallow Foundation Behaviour

Publication Title
Integrating Numerical and Centrifuge Modelling to Investigate Shallow Foundation Behaviour

Abstract

The design of wind turbine foundations must satisfy ultimate capacity requirements while limiting settlement and rotation. Due to uncertainties in predicting displacement and failure mechanisms under large lateral loads, large safety factors are often applied, resulting in over-conservative designs. Typical shallow foundations range from 15-20 m in diameter and are embedded 2-3 m into the ground, requiring substantial material use and high costs. These high costs and associated carbon emissions present a barrier to the sustainable development of onshore wind infrastructure, particularly in developing regions. To enable more cost-effective and lower-carbon solutions, a deeper understanding of foundation performance is essential.

This study combines physical and numerical modelling to investigate the response of a conventional circular shallow foundation design to monotonic and cyclic lateral loading. Centrifuge tests were used to determine global displacement behaviour. These results were complemented by finite element simulations using the SANISAND-MS constitutive model, which reveals internal soil behaviour not directly observable in experiments. The model is validated against 3D centrifuge test data, accurately predicting monotonic moment-rotation trends however the model overpredicted the accumulation of settlement under cyclic loading. Once validated, it is used to explore contact area evolution, a key factor affecting gapping and stiffness degradation under cyclic loading. This integrative approach demonstrates the value of numerical modelling in enhancing the interpretation of physical test data and provides a framework for optimising shallow foundation design. The findings support efforts to reduce material use and carbon footprint while maintaining performance and reliability.

Authors
Chisom Ifeobu; C. N. Abadie; Stuart Haigh; Zheng Li

Published In

11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)

Theme

Special Session 5: Combination of numerical and physical modelling